Crew gives lifeboat top marks.

IT'S faster, it's safer, and most importantly it will save more lives.

It is the new inshore lifeboat on trial at Holyhead and so far North Wales crew members love it.

If it gets the final seal of approval, up to 150 will be built and sent around the UK.

The prototype could replace the D-Class boats, many of which have been in service for more than 25 years.

Holyhead lifeboat's Ray Steadman said: ``The existing boat can do 18 knots but this new one can do 25. It has a fixed Global Positioning System (GPS) which the previous one doesn't and it has a ready fixed anchor. The anchor on the old boats was stored in pieces because of storage problems.

``It also has an electric start engine but it still retains manual capabilities if needed.''

The RIB is five metres long and two metres wide weighing up to 400kg, the same as the current D-Class, but it is kitted out more efficiently.

It has not yet been put into service but is being tested by crews from Llandudno, Treaddur Bay, Beaumaris, Moelfre and Holyhead. Mr Steadman said: ``It has been tested with four of the seven air chambers deflated including the nose chamber and it still managed 20 knots with five people on board.

``The other one only does about two or three knots which would keep them afloat and get them back home, but this one is far superior. It is a nice piece of equipment.''

There are four boats being tested across the UK and a decision on their future could be made in the next six months. They cost pounds 14,000 each.

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MAKING WAVES: The prototype lifeboat is put through its paces by Holyhead RNLI crew members Picture: GERALLT RADCLIFEE